Leg Weakness and Back Pain

Many people with low back pain feel as if their legs are weak. They
will still have normal strength in their leg muscles, but moving their legs
usually causes discomfort and gives them a sense of weakness.

True leg weakness leaves you unable to use some of your leg muscles normally.
This can happen when a
herniated disc presses on the nerve roots that make up
the sciatic nerve. Pressure on the nerve interferes with its ability to control
the leg muscles.

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.